Jeep Willys Model car - Complete Collection in Stock

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Illustration Voitures Rétros Vintage France
When Ford Almost Saved the Willys Jeep

Receive the little-known story that inspired these iconic off-road adventure models by email and discover why they still captivate collectors today.

Did You Know? Anecdotes and Curiosities about our Miniatures

Why is the Jeep Willys considered the ancestor of all modern SUVs?

The Jeep Willys MB, developed in 1941, was the first production vehicle to combine all-wheel drive, a robust chassis, and off-road versatility. Its functional design and legendary reliability established the aesthetic and technical codes adopted by all subsequent sport utility vehicle manufacturers.

What production record does the Willys Jeep still hold today?

With over 363,000 units produced between 1941 and 1945, the Willys MB remains the most produced military vehicle in the history of World War II. It equipped not only the U.S. Army but also Allied forces worldwide through the Lend-Lease program.

What is the surprising origin of the name 'Jeep'?

The term 'Jeep' is said to come from the pronunciation of 'GP' (General Purpose), the vehicle's military designation. However, an alternative theory attributes it to 'Eugene the Jeep', a Popeye cartoon character who could go anywhere, perfectly reflecting the vehicle's off-road capabilities.

How many civilian variants of the Willys were produced after the war?

Willys-Overland released its Jeep in no fewer than 7 main civilian versions: the CJ-2A (1945), the Station Wagon (1946), the Truck pickup truck (1947), the Jeepster (1948), the CJ-3A (1949), the CJ-3B (1953) and the Forward Control (1957), thus creating a veritable automotive empire.

What revolutionary technical innovation did the Willys introduce in model car?

The first Willys model cars of the 1950s were among the first to feature working suspension and steering, revolutionizing the toy market. Dinky Toys and Solido were particularly adept at faithfully reproducing the transmission and steering mechanisms of the real Jeep.